Fans of a rich dark chocolate flavour
They want a cookie that clearly states the proportion of dark chocolate pieces, rather than simply using the word ‘dark’ on the front.
Who are these cookies for?
Gift-givers who also want to consider milk chocolate
They’re looking for a cookie to enjoy with a coffee or give as a small gift, and know that the recipient prefers a combination of milk and dark chocolate.
Shoppers mindful of dietary needs or allergens
They check the ingredients and allergen information on the current packaging for the recipient. A statement that a product is suitable for vegans doesn’t replace these checks.
What should you look for when choosing?
Start with the recipient’s taste preferences, unless dietary needs or allergens narrow down the options. Then check whether the packaging is suitable for giving or sharing the cookies.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Dark chocolate flavour | Check whether a percentage refers to the dark chocolate pieces, the chocolate itself or the whole cookie. Jumbo lists 40% dark chocolate pieces in its Chocolate Cookies. | If I’m looking for a pronounced chocolate flavour, I want to know exactly what ‘dark’ means for this cookie. Around 42% of consumers put that dark flavour first. |
| Suitable for the recipient | Read the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings about cross-contamination. | If the recipient has dietary requirements, I want to be able to check what’s in the cookie. For around 33% of consumers, suitability comes first. |
| Giving and sharing | Check the pack size, portioning and whether the packaging can be resealed properly once opened. | When I’m giving a small gift to share, the way the cookies are packaged matters to me. Around 25% of consumers value ease of sharing most. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming ‘dark’ means a cocoa percentage for the whole cookie
According to Jumbo’s product information, one of the cookies we looked at contains 40% dark chocolate pieces. That percentage describes the pieces, not the cocoa content of the whole cookie. A combination of milk and dark chocolate pieces also says nothing, by itself, about the total cocoa content.
Only use a cocoa percentage for the whole cookie if one is stated for that specific product. If you only know the proportion of dark chocolate pieces, compare that figure without turning it into a different claim.
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Confusing a vegan claim with an allergen check
A cookie described as suitable for vegans isn’t necessarily free from allergens, nor does it mean that possible cross-contamination has been ruled out.
If there’s a relevant allergy, check the current ingredients list, allergen information and any warnings on the packaging before the cookie is given or eaten.
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Relying solely on the online product description
The ingredients and allergen information for a product can change. This is especially important if the recipient needs to avoid certain ingredients.
Use the product page to compare options, but treat the information on the packaging of the cookie you buy as the final check.
Brands to consider
Jumbo
Among the Jumbo products we looked at, you’ll find both cookies with dark chocolate pieces and bars containing milk and dark chocolate.
- The Chocolate Cookies list 40% dark chocolate pieces; the Cookie Bars list 25% milk chocolate and 12% dark chocolate pieces.
- These ingredient percentages aren’t cocoa percentages for the whole cookie. Check the allergens for each product.
Verkade
The Chocolate chip milk & dark cookies we looked at combine two types of chocolate pieces in one cookie.
- Albert Heijn lists 12% dark and 12% milk chocolate pieces in this variety.
- As it contains milk chocolate, this variety isn’t suitable for someone who only wants dark chocolate. The product information lists milk, soya, wheat and cereals containing gluten.
Lotus Biscoff
The speculoos with Belgian chocolate we looked at offers a different type of biscuit and comes in a pack with smaller portions.
- According to Albert Heijn, the 2-pack contains six packs of three biscuits and is described as suitable for vegans.
- The description ‘Belgian chocolate’ doesn’t confirm that the coating is made from dark chocolate or state the cocoa percentage of the biscuit. Check the allergens on the packaging too.
Cookies on Joybuy
This cookie could suit someone looking for a dark chocolate flavour. The flavour description alone doesn’t prove that the whole cookie has a high cocoa content.
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Franzzi Dark Chocolate Flavour Cookies 70 g
An option for someone who likes cookies with a dark chocolate flavour. The product name states 70 g and ‘dark chocolate flavour’; don’t use this to infer a cocoa percentage. Check the current packaging for dietary requirements and allergen information.
Frequently asked questions
Does ‘dark’ on a cookie mean the whole cookie has a high cocoa content?
No. A percentage of dark chocolate pieces isn’t the same as a cocoa percentage for the whole cookie. For example, Jumbo lists 40% dark chocolate pieces in its Chocolate Cookies; check the packaging to see exactly what any stated percentage refers to.
How do I check allergens in packaged cookies?
Before giving or eating the cookies, read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority states that 14 allergens must be declared on the labels of prepacked foods. Check for any warnings about cross-contamination too.
Are vegan cookies also allergen-free?
No. A vegan claim doesn’t, by itself, tell you anything about gluten, nuts, soya or possible cross-contamination. Check the specific packaging for any allergens relevant to the recipient.
How should I store chocolate cookies once opened?
Follow the storage instructions on the packaging and seal an opened pack properly. For the Chocolate Cookies we looked at, Jumbo recommends storing them in a cool, dry place and eating the remaining cookies within a few days. Check the instructions for any other product.